Dear Kinesiology Faculty,

I am writing this letter in regard to the lack of recognition and celebration for the 2020 Kinesiology department graduating.

As we all know, we never would have expected our final semester to be switched to remote instruction. Nonetheless, we all persevered through the challenges and made it our goal to finish the semester strong. We all know that despite these circumstances, we still deserve to be acknowledged by our University, more specifically the Kinesiology department. Many departments are recognizing their graduating classes of 2020 through a virtual commencement or a postponed ceremony when it is safe to do so. We, the undersigned, are deeply saddened by the lack of response that our department has taken towards acknowledging the graduating class.

We the undersigned request that the Department of Kinesiology find an alternative to the now cancelled in-person commencement celebrations. We also request that we still have the opportunity to purchase a Kinesiology stole. This is especially crucial for many of the students who are first-generation college students, commuting hours a day, working part-time to full-time jobs, being full time or part-time students, spending hours in the library, and tutoring all to be able to cross that stage with our diplomas.

We are demanding that we have the opportunity to celebrate our achievements alongside our peers, friends, and family, even if it is virtual in nature.